McGregor cautious on Dragons' way ahead

Paul McGregor will take a cautious approach with his St George Illawarra representative stars over the next month as they tackle one of the most gruelling schedules in the NRL.

McGregor is likely to have five players in Origin camp, four in Denver for the controversial Test and another five playing in the Pacific matches at Campbelltown from his extended squad next Saturday night.

It means a short turnaround for all into Thursday night's round 16 clash with Parramatta if they do back up, with the Origin stars turning out for their fifth game in 22 days and the Denver Test players appearing just two days after they land at home.

But with a two-point lead at the top of the table, McGregor says the Dragons could now take a far more sensible approach to their players' workloads with a spot in the eight already all but guaranteed.

"It's a bit like Melbourne in the past," McGregor said.

"They've been in a position to rest guys at important stages because they were so high on the ladder every year.

"It does give you a little bit of scope to look into the back end of the year more.

"You've got to go into the finals peaking, not spent. We're mindful of all that."